The F-Series is a series of full-size
pickup trucks from Ford Motor Company sold for over 5 decades.

The first F-series truck (known as the Ford
Bonus-Built) from Ford was introduced in 1948, replacing the company's previous
car-based pickup line. It was a modern-looking truck with a flat, one-piece
windshield and integrated headlights. Options were the "See-Clear" windshield
washer (operated by foot plunger), passenger side windshield wiper & sun visor,
and passenger side taillight. The F-1 truck was also available with additional
chrome and two horns as an option. All F-series were available in "Marmon-Herrington
All Wheel Drive" until 1959.

Design of the F-series truck changed little from 1948
to 1952. From 1948-1950, the grill was a series of horizontal bars and the
headlights were set into the fenders. For 1951 and 1952, the headlights were
connected by a wide aerodynamic cross piece with three similarly aerodynamic
supports. The rear window was wider in the later trucks and the dashboard was
redesigned.

F-series trucks were built at sixteen different Ford
plants. Serial numbers indicate the truck model, engine, year, assembly plant,
and unit number. The most common model was the F-1 with a 6-1/2' bed followed by
the F-2 and F-3 Express models with an 8' bed.

The F-series was redesigned for 1953
with a more integrated look. The pickups also acquired their familiar names: The
F-1 now became the F-100, the F-2 now became the F-250, and the F-3 now became
the 1 ton F-350. Starting on the 1956 models (the subject of this kit), Ford
offers the very rare "Low GVWR" versions of each model. Interior amenities were
new, including a dome light, lighter, arm rests, and sun visors. On March 13,
1953, "Ford-O-Matic" automatic transmissions became an option.

THE KIT

Molded in a light blue
plastic, this kit is everything we have come to expect from a kit of the 50's.
There are numerous molding marks ranging from ejector pin marks on just about
every part, to some flash, and a large sink area on the engine of the police
motorcycle that is reminiscent of the '20mm shell holes' that are often found on
the pilot figures of old Monogram airplane kits. This effectively makes the
motorcycle unusable unless one is really good at remolding parts.

Wheels are molded as a single piece with the hub caps
molded as part of the suspension sections. There is a full and separate chassis
onto which the interior pieces are attached. These consist of a bench seat,
steering wheel and shaft, and a dash board.
There is no gear shift or pedals. A
driver figure is also included. A V-8 engine is also part of the mix, though not
really something up to today's standards. The body and bed are made up of
separate pieces that must be glued together. One will expend considerable filler
to blend in all the bits for the
cab. Though chrome is shown on the box art, none of the parts are so plated,
relying on the builder to replicate that. An assortment of barrels and tools are
provided to fill the bed.

Another anomaly with these early car kits is that they
do not come with any clear parts. Instructions make no mention of just how to
add any, but I would think that clear acetate sheet would be the best way to
replicate this missing feature. The instructions are a direct copy of the
originals, down to the adverts and color information. A small decal sheet is
also included though its viability is questionable as it looks very much like
those sheets produced by Revell-Monogram in the early 1980s.

CONCLUSIONS

This isn't a kit that people will rush out and buy to
build award winning models. However, since it is 1/48 scale, it could easily be
transformed into a military truck with the help of some paint and aftermarket
markings. Perfect for those wanting to add some flavor to a mid-late 1950s US
aviation scene.